Corsets: A Modern Guide

by Velda Lauder

This book traces the development of the corset from ancient to modern times, paying particular attention to its popular resurgence as an outer garment from the late 20th century to the present day. The author, Velda Lauder, is one of the most celebrated corset designers of our times. Here, she combines extensive reference material alongside a personal journey through the evolution of the corset. Velda's enthusiasm and fascination with her subject make her ideally qualified to write about the corset from the viewpoint of an industry insider who has devoted the last 15 years to celebrating the female form through tailoring and corsetry techniques. This is her journey in her own words.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[MKF · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter knows how much much I love corsets and my favorite model being Dita Von Teese. My daughter is also a fan but at her age I only let her look at Dita's beautiful outfits and dreamy gowns. Anyways she found this book at the local bookstore then said I needed it and bought it for me with her allowance. It's a nice gift to have.
Anyways I enjoyed learning about the history and wasn't aware of how far back in history different corsets were used. It was even more interesting to learn about the creation of the modern corset and its rise to popularity. I'm glad my daughter got it for me though I have to tell my daughter she can't she read it.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

How disappointing. This had the potential to be an interesting overview of the history of the corset and how it informed/was informed by aspects of social history. Instead, it was an odd combination of vanity publishing and pseudo-history.

I understand the desire to split the table of contents the way it was done (history, fetish, high fashion, etc.) but this made the book unorganized and repetitive; it was a bad decision on the part of the editor to go along with this.

Perhaps the author is well known in certain aspects of fashion, but I don't know that this required two introductions focused on the author, an about the author, and an overview from the author.

[Michelle Hoogterp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely photos. I am a it disappointed as I was hoping for more information about wearing, purchasing, and caring for a corset. I would love to know more about corsets under clothes--how they function and fit with modern cuts, etc. this was more about how corsets found tier way back into some popularity and lists a couple fashion gurus who have used corsets in their fashion designs.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of pictures of fashion corsets. She seems to think tightlacing is the only way to wear a corset, and her definition of a corset is extremely broad. The historical parts don’t seem entirely accurate.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a particularly complete history of the corset but the small explanations and wonderful pictures made this book well worth the price and time to read.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I entered the world of tight-lacing/waist-training because of submission to the wishes of my very dominant F/F partner, it has become quite an obsession and I must admit that it is now most enjoyable. This book proved delightful, mixing informative narrative with exquisite photographs. I have learned a lot about the history of the corset and found the guidelines for modern use interesting as well as helpful. XOXOXOs to the author, Velda Lauder, for creating such a sensational look at this subject:)

[Rebekka Steg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably vanity publishing. Incomplete and a fair bit of the information (especially on history) is incorrect.

[rach · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean it’s not a complete history or even close to, but it’s a good overview and starting place. An entry level book if you will. However, it definitely seems to be a bit of vanity publishing, as 90% of the images are modern fashion corsets designed by the author. I did like the subsections, but for a deeper history of the corset pre-20th century, you need another book. The author also seems to think tight-lacing is the only way to wear a corset which is annoying, and the last chapter just pissed me off. There’s such a fine line between subversion and ideal conforming with corsetry sometimes.

Anyways I’m in academic reading time. Will I use it in my essay? Most definitely! …and thats enough for me.

[Hilde Helseth · Rating 3 out of 5]

'A book with an item of clothing or accessory on the cover' Got it on eBay